Canadian Prime Minister Carney: I believe NATO is being tested

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in the town of Davos in the Swiss Alps. Stating that Canada has lived in prosperity for decades within the structure known as the rules-based international order, participated in its boards, praised its principles, and benefited from its predictability, Carney said, "We knew that the narrative of a rules-based international order was partially untrue. We knew that the most powerful exempted themselves when it suited them, that trade rules were applied asymmetrically, and that international law was enforced with varying degrees of rigor depending on the identity of the accused and the victim."

"We are in the midst of a rupture"

Stating that Canada had largely ignored the gaps in the order within this framework but that doing so no longer works, Carney said, "We are not in a transition process; we are in the midst of a rupture."

Arguing that major powers have begun to use economic integration as a weapon, Carney referred to US President Donald Trump's tariff policies, stating, "Tariffs have begun to be used as leverage, financial infrastructure as a coercive tool, and supply chains as vulnerabilities to be exploited."

"You are forced to protect yourself"

Noting that in the new order, many countries are forced to develop greater strategic autonomy in energy, food, critical minerals, finance, and supply chains, Carney stated, "If the rules do not protect you, you are forced to protect yourself. However, we need to see where this leads us. A world where everyone builds fortresses around themselves will be poorer, more fragile, and less sustainable."

"We stand with Greenland and Denmark"

The Canadian leader emphasized that instead of waiting for the world's old order to return, it is necessary to create functioning institutions and agreements. Emphasizing that middle-power countries like Canada must adapt, Carney said, "We are forming different coalitions for different issues based on new shared values and interests. We are one of the core members of the Coalition of the Willing regarding Ukraine. Regarding Arctic sovereignty, we stand firmly with Greenland and Denmark, and we support Greenland's right to make its own decisions regarding its future."

"We believe we can build something stronger and fairer from this fracture"

Carney stated, "Canada strongly opposes the tariffs imposed on Greenland and calls for negotiations to achieve our common goals of security and prosperity in the Arctic."

The Canadian Prime Minister said, "We know the old order is not coming back. We should not mourn it. Nostalgia is not a strategy. But we believe that from this fracture, we can build something greater, stronger, and fairer. This is the duty of middle-power countries. Powerful countries have power, but we also have something: the power to stop pretending that the old order is still in place. The power to call things by their true names, to build our strength internally, and to act together. This is Canada's path. We choose this clearly and with confidence. This path is open to everyone who wants to walk with us."

"I believe NATO is clearly being tested"

When asked during the Q&A session of the panel whether "NATO is still acting as if everything is the same" despite the changing rules in the world, Carney replied, "I believe NATO is clearly being tested right now. The first response to this test is to ensure Arctic security in a robust and strong manner against any eventuality."

Carney said that in the short term, Canada, along with Nordic countries, the UK, and France, as well as partner countries in NATO, must take steps to create a comprehensive security architecture in the Arctic.

"The solution in Greenland begins with security"

When asked what would happen if no way out is found regarding Greenland, Carney said, "The solution begins with security. With broader Arctic security. Canada is contributing fully to this. We are at the beginning of a major capacity increase. NATO must also fulfill this."

When asked whether Greenland is under threat from Russia and China as Trump has suggested, the Canadian Prime Minister replied, "There are threats in the Arctic, and Russia is definitely a threat. There is no need to debate this. That is why we are maintaining our presence in the air, at sea, and on land. We are strengthening our submarine fleet and our fighter jets. We are installing over-the-horizon radars against missile threats. At this stage, the threat is more at a potential level, and we want to keep it at that level."

Canada-China strategic partnership

When asked about criticism that his recent visit to China would lead to Canada becoming dependent on China, Carney said, "This is an expansion and construction move."

Carney stated, "China is the world's second-largest economy and our second-largest trading partner. We need to establish a strategic partnership within these boundaries, and we have done so. A network of connections is needed to manage relations correctly. It would be a mistake to leave major actors like the US, China, India, Mercosur, and the European Union out of this network. This makes you stronger and more resilient."

News Source: İHA